Why to choose an electric car? - Our experience with BMW i3
Beyond current trends, we love the environment and try to protect it as much as we can. But besides that, we want to have cars with intelligent technologies in our fleet that will offer you a new driving dynamic. Therefore, we are happy to announce that the BMW i3 is the new BDV Bestauto Rent a car Cluj member.
BMW i3 is a car created for the city, with modern technologies and optimized autonomy, which facilitates your driving experience. The BMW i3 has been a pioneer and we believe it will set new trends in driving and electric cars, although its design is a controversial topic. Ever since the launch of the 1st occupation, being the best-selling electric car in the world in the premium compact segment.
The advantages of this car are many, but the most important are ecological and economic. In addition to low recharging and maintenance costs, exhaust system failures and oil change are a thing of the past.
It is a reliable, durable and sustainable car.
Sustainability
The BMW i3 is made of carbon fiber with an aluminum chassis, just like the Formula 1 cars. CFRP (plastic-reinforced carbon fiber) used in the production of this car is 85% recyclable, being 4 times stronger than aluminum and 5 times stronger than steel. Carbon fibers are created entirely with hydroelectric energy, and only wind energy is used in the production of cars. The car can also be 95% recycled. So, if you love the environment, the BMW i3 should be the main option when you want to rent a car.
Materials such as bamboo, wood, leather and other eco materials were used in the interior design, so the smell of plastic is non-existent. The structure of the car is also unique because the rear doors open backwards, and the central upright is missing, which some find super interesting, and for others it is strange.
Zero fuel consumption
At the wheel of the BMW i3 you will feel the electrifying pleasure of driving due to the performance of the electric battery. It has a range of 260 km per day. Yes, you saw right! The BMW i3 has an extended range of up to 260 km / day. Contrary to our expectations, the i3's electric motor has a respectable power of 170 hp, which can even be considered a strong stench for an electric car.
The high voltage battery can be charged up to 80% in just 45 minutes to a direct current (DC) source, which provides a strong flow of current directly to the battery. In the case of alternating current (AC) sources, the charging period is longer for the same percentage and is achieved in about 3 hours. If you want to charge the car at home, then for a full charge you need 19 hours.
To easily find charging points, we recommend the Plugshare application, or Plugsharesurfing, which is the more professional option. Plugshare shows you the locations of charging stations around the world, the type of station and the type of charging. Also, the application offers you useful information, pictures from the location and a social-firendly check-in system.
Technologies
All you have to do is signal the parking lot and press a button, and the system of cameras and proximity sensors will do all the work for you. There is also a disadvantage in terms of framing the car because, often, it is done to the millimeter, which can become a little stressful.
Behind the steering wheel, on the right, there is a moving end for the gearbox controls, "D" (Drive), "R" (Reverse) or "N" (Neutral), which takes the car out of normal again.
The 100% electric propulsion will take you by surprise, for sure. If you step on the accelerator pedal to the end, you start with a strong but pleasant start, without noise. Overtaking is fast, with the impression that you are behind the wheel of a car with 100 hp more power.
What we found most interesting about this car is the regenerative braking. The energy recovery system is activated whenever you take your foot off the accelerator pedal, and the car offers the effect of easy braking. In addition, in the deceleration phase, the battery is recharged automatically. In terms of comfort, this will change your life in city traffic.
Energy management is performed depending on the chosen mode: Comfort Mode (normal - fast), Eco Pro Mode (normal - economical), Eco Pro + Mode (economical). Currently in Romania, due to the inter-urban network of poorly developed charging stations, the BMW i3 is not the best option for long journeys, but rather for daily urban traffic. But if you still have to travel to other cities, then we recommend that you opt for national or European roads and not for the highway.
